Former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola on Wednesday charged Eko Club members to begin social engineering-the process of using organized efforts to manage societal change.
He spoke at the 50th anniversary lecture of Eko Club in Surulere, Lagos with the theme: “The Role of Social Clubs in Social Engineering.”
Fashola pointed out that social clubs like Eko Club play a vital role in addressing issues such as youth development, public policy, and social welfare, saying that by promoting sports and hosting discussions on government policies, Eko Club has contributed to shaping society in Lagos.
Fashola acknowledged the contributions of the club’s founders, emphasizing the legacy they left behind.
“Their farsighted vision 50 years ago laid enduring foundations upon which we proudly stand today,” he said.
He urged members not to rest on past achievements but to focus on the future, asserting that the opportunities ahead in the next 50 years far outweigh those of the past.
The lecture highlighted the historical significance of social clubs, which Fashola traced back to the 19th century.
Reflecting on the club’s constitution, Fashola commended the objectives outlined by the founders, which focus on promoting fellowship, supporting lawful actions for members’ welfare, and fostering social, cultural, and sporting activities.
He recalled his own time playing tennis at Eko Club in the 1980s, which, he said, shaped him and instilled in him the values of sportsmanship and community.
The former governor of Lagos also recounted a notable instance where the club facilitated a stakeholders’ meeting with the Lagos State government regarding the regulation of motorcyclists on major roads.
This interaction, he noted, improved communication between the government and the community, and highlighted the influence social clubs can wield in social and policy discussions.
Looking ahead, Fashola called on the club to be more proactive in addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, drug abuse, security, and the economic challenges facing Lagos.
He encouraged the club to return to its sporting roots by reviving youth inter-club competitions, which would help combat youth unemployment through sports.
Fashola called for intentional and deliberate membership recruitment to ensure that Eko Club remains a driving force in social engineering for the future.
He urged the club to foster more engagement with public officials and policy discussions, reiterating the important role social clubs can play in governance and societal development.
